Stokesley School backs apprenticeships

Young people, local employers and training providers joined forces at Stokesley School to find out more about apprenticeships in the area.

The school held a dedicated ‘Apprenticeship Information Evening’ showcasing the variety of opportunities available for students in years 11 to 13 with over 50 local employers and colleges on hand to provide advice.

Representatives from organisations such as the NHS, Darlington College, TTE, UCAS, Tees Valley Unlimited and the North East Chamber of Commerce, and businesses including Fujifilm, Labman Automation, Analox, Amethyst Health and Beauty and Carillion attended the event at Stokesley School to share with students the range of opportunities available post-GCSE and A-Level.

As well as question and answer workshops, apprentice success stories were also on hand to show students what could be achieved by taking the apprentice route after school.

The event comes after Stokesley’s local MP, Rishi Sunak, announced his backing of apprenticeships. Mr. Sunak has secured university admissions organisation UCAS’ support to create North Yorkshire Apprenticeships which, from April, will allow young people in the area to apply for an apprenticeship through a UCAS system in the same way as someone who is applying to go to university.

Rishi Sunak, who is looking forward to working with the school to increase the number of apprentices in the area, said: “I passionately believe in the role apprenticeships can play in developing young people’s skills and helping businesses find the talent they need to grow and prosper.

“I was delighted to hear that Stokesley School was holding this event to spread the word about apprenticeships. Schools are vitally important in showing students can be achieved and it is great that Stokesley School is leading the way in this respect.”

Chris Dolby, vice principal in charge of careers, information, advice and guidance at Stokesley School, said: “It has never been more important for our young people to be properly informed about the range of career opportunities available to them and for each young person to find a career path that is right for them. Apprenticeships offer students of all abilities the opportunity to raise their aspirations and develop their skills in a way that suits them best. It was fantastic to see so many local businesses and training providers supporting this initiative and forging ever closer links with the school.”

Janine Harrison-Henry, Stokesley School’s careers’ adviser who organised the event, said: “It was great to collaborate with various members of the Tees Valley’s learning providers network to inform and inspire parents and students of our school about all aspects of apprenticeships. We were also so grateful for the overwhelming response from local businesses and their apprentices for their willingness to share their experiences and successes at our event. We’ve had superb feedback about the event and plan to hold more in the coming year.”